After more than 150 years on UK high streets, luxury footwear and accessories brand Russell & Bromley is facing significant changes following its recent administration. The brand’s Cheltenham Promenade store, its sole location in Gloucestershire, is among those slated for closure.
Russell & Bromley, renowned for its premium shoes and handbags, currently operates 36 stores and nine concessions across the UK and Ireland. However, a prominent banner in Cheltenham now signals the store’s closure, with all stock reduced by 20% in a “Everything must go” sale. While the exact closing date remains unconfirmed, staff have refrained from commenting.
This development follows the company entering administration earlier this month. Subsequently, Next Plc acquired the Russell & Bromley brand and retail operations of select stores in a £2.5 million deal. According to a statement on the Russell & Bromley website, Will Wright and Chris Pole of Interpath Advisory were appointed Joint Administrators on January 21, 2026, covering Russell & Bromley Limited, Russell & Bromley Online Limited, and Farwig Limited.
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Next Retail Limited now owns and operates the brand’s Bluewater, Chelsea, and Mayfair stores. These three locations will continue under the Russell & Bromley name, while the other 33 stores and nine concessions face closure. Online sales have ceased temporarily as the platform transitions under Next’s management. Currently, the company is not processing returns.
Approximately 440 employees work across Russell & Bromley’s stores, many of whom may be affected by the closures.
In a related local retail shift, the historic Cavendish House on Cheltenham Promenade is closing this week after over 200 years of business. Traders there recently expressed their sentiments on the landmark’s closure.
Amid these changes, Cheltenham’s retail scene sees a bright spot with menswear brand Cavani launching a new store in Regent Arcade. Following a recent rebrand from House of Cavani, the opening adds seven jobs and marks Cavani’s 18th UK location and second in the South West. The store’s launch featured former Love Island contestant Chris Hughes as brand ambassador.
Matthew Ward, Cheltenham store manager with over two decades of retail experience, shared his excitement: “Opening in Cheltenham, famously known as Festival Town, alongside our rebrand debut is incredibly exciting. This store represents everything Cavani stands for - exceptional product quality delivered through outstanding customer service. We look forward to helping customers discover new styles that truly suit them.”